Yali Pibidemu reawakens 25 war-torn hamlets

Nimal WIJESINGHE, Anuradhapura Additional District group correspondent

Twenty-five war-battered hamlets in nine Divisional Secretariat Divisions are to be developed under the Yali Pibidemu (re-awakening) program designed by the Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry.

The villages are in Horowpothana, Medawachchiya, Rambewa Padaviya, Nochchiyagama, Rajangane, Kebithigollewa, Welioya and Mahawilachchiya, consisting nearly 30,000 low income group families.

Priority is given to renovate and rehabilitate dilapidated tanks, anicuts and irrigation structures, construction of agro products collecting centres and community centres, construction of drinking water supply schemes and renovation of the village road network.

Anuradhapura District Deputy Project Director C.M.J. Kumarage told the Daily News that Rs. 1,700 million has been allocated to implement this project.

She said 50 percent of the grant would be spent on livelihood empowerment of 30,000 families whereas 40 per cent of it is utilized to upgrade infrastructure facilities required in support of livelihood empowerment schemes.

"The development programs' main objective is to create self-reliance and self-confidence among the beneficiaries," she said.